Method of attaching frames to air filters and the like



Feb. 9, 1965 F. BARTELS 3,168,917

METHOD OF ATTACHING FRAMES TO AIR FILTERS AND THE LIKE Filed Aug. 2, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ggg.6;

Feb. 9, 1965 F. l.. BARTELS 3,168,917

METHOD OF ATTACHING FRAMES TO AIR FILTERS AND THE LIKE F'led Aug. 2, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent Office 3,168,917 Patented Feb. 9, 1955 3,168,917 METHGD F ATTACHING FRAMES T0 t AIR FILTERS AND THE MIKE Fred L. Bartels, Madison, Wis., assigner to Research Products Corporation, Madison, Wis., a corporation of Wisconsin Filed Aug. 2, 1960,' Ser. No. 47,074 7 Claims. (Cl. 153-1) The present invention relates to frames or holding devices for air filter media or the like, and a method of attaching a frame-like holding device to an article such as an air filter pad.

Although, aswill become apparent as this specification proceeds, the frame or holding device of this invention has many useful applications, in the interest of clarity and by Way of example, it will be described as used withair filters to provide frames for air filter units.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a framing or holding member which can be readily and firmly mounted upon a panel-like object, such as an air filter body or media, as a frame or holder therefor, and to provide a novel method of securing a firm, resilient grip ofthe frame upon such object.

Room and Window ventilators and air conditioners and ducts or filter cells in which air filters are located provide for filter units of many different sizes. For a dealer to stock all of the different sizes and types of air filters requites a very substantial investment for inventory and a large storage area in which to keep that inventory.

As applied to air filters, an important objective of the invention is to enable the dealer to quickly and easily produce an air filter of a required size and type in his t own place of business with relatively simple and inexpensive equipment. Thus, the only inventory that the dealer need maintain is a stock of the various types of panel filtering media that might be desired, and a supply of the frame stock from which the frames can be made to protect the edges of the media panels during handling and cleaning, facilitate installation and removal, improve the air seal at the edges of the unit, and generally to improve the appearance of the lter and prolong its life. When an order is received for a filter of a particular size and containing a specified type of lter material, the dealer can cut the filter pad to size from stock and form a frame of the required dimensions for holding the filter media.

In forming a frame for a filterpad, or in forming a holding device for other objects, one of the desirable attributes is that the frame fit snugly upon the filter pad or object, and securely engage the same to prevent their undesired separation when in use. When sheet material of the type that might be used in a filter frame, for ex# ample, is bent, even beyond the elastic limit of the material, there is some residual resiliency in the metal at the bend which acts, after the bending pressure is removed, to return the bent portions to some extent towards their original positions before bending. In other words, while,

in the main, the elastic limit of the material is exceeded during the course of the bending operation so that to some extent the bend will remain after the bending pressure is removed, to some extent there is some residual elasticity producing some recovery. This recovery will normally cause the frame to grip the filter pad less tightly than4 it did while the bending pressure `was applied, so that the frame and pad may not be securely engaged. Furthermore, this recovery and release may result in an unsightly appearance of thecompleted filter.

By employing the invention herein described, this tendency toward recovery is utilized so that, instead of resulting in releasing and loosening, the holding device,

`filter pad, more tightly after the bending pressure is removed than it did while it was subjected to that bending pressure. While by using my invention the bent portions may be made to move farther after the withdrawal of the bending pressure, this is not necessary. If the particular application so demands, the bent portions, e.g. flanges of the filter frame, may be made to retain the approximate position against the `object grasped, e.g. filter pad, that they assumed at the time the bending pressure was applied. The means by which this surprising result is achieved is described herein.

Further objects an advantages will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. l is a perspective view of a filter formed in accordance with the invention with a corner thereof broken away;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a length of framing channel prepared for use in forming a frame for an air filter;

FIG 3 is an elevational View of a portion of simple apparatus such as might lbe used in the forming of a frame and application thereof to a filter, and illustrates in section a portion of the filter pad and frame;

FIG. 4 is a partial section as Viewed along line 4 4 of FlG. l;

IG. 4a is a cross-sectional View of the frame showing initial `and final configurations and the intermediate position of the frame while under pressure externally applied in the process ofapplying the frame to the filter media;

FIG. 5 is a view similar `to FlG. 4 but illustrating an alternative application of the invention in the holding of, for example, a wooden object;

FIG. 6 is a partial section showing a further alternative embodiment, and

FIG. 7 is a somewhat diagrammatic illustration of an apparatus for the performing of the method of the in vention without utilizing the special form of holding member described herein.

The usual method for providing a holding member of the general type of the present invention is to form a channel having two fianges connected by a web. This channel is then placed along an edge of the object on which it is to be mounted with the flanges extending over the edge areas of the sides of the object. The two flanges are bent toward each other to grasp the object. Assuming the material used to have some elasticity, there would be some recovery movement of the iianges when the bendl ing pressure is removed which would cause the iianges to spread apart and separate somewhat from the object."

- Even though this residual elasticity may be relatively small, it may be undesirable in many applications.

In the method of the invention, in addition to applying pressure to the outer faces of the two lianges to bend them toward each other, pressure also is applied to theweb e.g. filter frame, may be made to grasp the object, eg.`

to force curvature of the web with the convex side ofthe curvature facing the same direction as that in which the fianges extend from the web. This, of course, makes the outer face of the web concave. When the pressures on the flanges and web are removed, theV residual resiliency at the lines of juncture of the flanges and the web tends to cause the flanges to move outwardly from the object as in the prior art method above described. At the same time, the residual resiliency in the bent web acts to cause the web to tend to flatten or decrease in curvature to some extent. To the extent that the web flattens, or decreases in curvature, the two flanges of the channel. will tend to be turned against the object.

Thus, the residual resiliency at the bend of the channels tends to cause a movement of the channels in one direction while the residual resiliency in the Web tends to move lupon therremoval of the pressures, or, in fact, to press the lflanges against the objects to -a somewhat greater extent upon the removal of the pressures than was the case at the time the pressures were being applied.

To simplify the equipment Aneeded for general applications of the method of the invention, the web of the channel may be pre-bent before the channel is positioned on the object on which itis to be mounted. Thus, in the preferred method', the web of the channel is preformed so that the face ofV the web on the side toward which the anges project is convex and the opposite face is concave. At the same time, the channel is formed with each flange forming an acute angle with the web. The thus preformed channel is then slipped onto the object on which it is to be mounted in the same manner as previously described. Pressure then is applied to the outer faces of the two iianges, with the'pressure being so applied as to have two effects. First, the pressure bends the ilanges again-st the .object on which it is to be secured and, secondly, the pressure increases the curvature of the web. When the pressure is relieved, the two results above described occur,

dieser? be formed from sheet inetal. Y i i After the channel is lformed and when a dealer, for example, is desirous of preparing a iilter of a particular Y namely, the resiliency at the bends between the flanges and l the web tends to cause the other portions of the flanges .to move apart and the resiliency in the web tends to cause the outer portions of the two rlangesito move together. The extent to which these will offset each other upon the removal of the pressure can be Vdetermined by controlling the extent to which the web isA deected, i.e. increased in curvature, at the time the pressure is applied to the two .outer `faces of the jianges.

In another practice of my method, the web of the channel is not preformed but may be straight asin prior art Y procedures. As forming pressure i-s applied to thelanges to'bend them against Vthepobject to be gripped, pressure is yalsoapplied to the outer face of the web ,to deflect it to- Vwards the edge of the object. The important consideration is to make sure that the curvature forced in the web bythe formingpressure is in the right direction, since curvature in the wrong direction would result in adding to the outward movement of the iianges upon rem-oval of the forming pressure rather than nullifying this movement.

Thus, when forming pressures are relieved," the same two effects occur, namely, an'otlsetting of the tendency of the edges of the flanges to turn away'from each other Vwith the tendency of them to turn toward each other because of the recovery ofthe deflected web.

p FIG.' l illustrates a iilter embodying, and produced in accordance with, the invention. lt comprises a franie gen- .j erally indicated at lil holding a iilter bodyll. The lter` body may beany oneof a num-ber of types. `For example, it might be angirnpingementtype iilter comprised of a plurality of Vsuperposed expanded metal foil sheets with Van, adhesive or stickyl material thereon, a iiberglass pad,

or it might. be a. strainer type ofviilter.

Frame l@ is formed from ai-length of channel a-portion of whichisillustrated in FIG. 2. Channel l2 has a web 13 from which a'pair of' flanges irland l5 project.; Sub- Viianges ltjand 17 extend inwardly from the edges vof the flanges Yld and l5, respectively. Subiianges ld'and i7 'forni engaging means so as to securely connect the frame I@ with'the pad ll ashereinafter described. Alternative f means, suchjas spaced prongs, may be used in place of so that the position of stop 35 with respect to the pivotal v web from which they flanges 14 and 15 project, is convex while the outer face 13b of the web 13 is concave. IThe internal angle 18 between the ange 14 and the web 13 is an acute angle'ias is the internal angle 19 between kthe ange l5 and the web 13. A channel of such shape may size, 90 notches'ZZ and Z3 lare cut at the desired loca'- tions along the flanges 14 and 15 so that the channel may be bent at' such notches to form square corners of the frame as illustrated in FIG. l. The distance between the notches is determined by the dimensions desired for the iinishedtilter. A iilter body 11V 'of the proper size is eut from stock. After the channel 12 has been suitably notched, it is wrapped around the filter body 11 to form the frame `and the meeting ends are preferably fastened together, as by riveting, soldering, or taping. rllhe next step is to'lapply pressure to the outer faces of the two flanges 14 and 15 to securely aiiix the filter body V11 within the finished frame lll.

A simple apparatus for applying the required pressure to the channel is illustrated by way of example in FlG. 3. lt comprises a base formedv of a metal angle 25 welded to a metal base plate 2.6. One leaf 27' of each of a pair of ordinary loose pin hinges is welded or otherwise suitably attached toV angle 25. vThe other leaf 23 of each hinge is attached to an angle 29 by the threaded ends of handle 3G which may generally tlf-shaped forrconvenient operation, The two threaded ends 3l. of the U-shaped handle project through suitable openings in-leaf 28'and angle`29. Nuts 32 received on the threadsk clamp the two parts together. Adjacent the other end of angle 29`is an adjustable stop provided by a bolt 32 threaded through the angle 29 and fixed in place by' stop nuts 33. The bottom 34 of belt 32 is positioned to contact plate 2.6 and limit the downward pivotal movement of the bolt. 32v and, Ithus, angle iron 29. A positioning stop 35 having pins 36 may be advantageously utilized. A plurality of openings 37 are provided in base plate 25 to receive pins 36. Openings 37 may be drilled at various distances fromthe Vhinges axis of the hinges may be varied. These adjustments will permit some variation to be made in the pressure applied ,to the web of the framing channel.

TheV apparatus of HG. 3 is utilized (to-.apply frameforming pressure to the channel lil. `The intended frame with the iilter body ll therein 'is positioned on base plate 26 with the back or web of the channel abutting stop 35.

Handle il is brought downward manually until the bottom 34 of bolt'c'ontacts plate 26 as illustrated in dotted lines in FIG. r3. The bottom of angie 29, of course,

' presses against the outer face oi flange lut. A corresponding reaction pressure is applied to ange l5 as it is pressed Y against base plate '26.

The effect of-this pressure is illustrated in llG. 4. The shape of the channel llZ-before pressure is applied is illustrated in dotted lines :in EEG. 4, or, as will be explained withreference to FlG. 4a. The application of the pressure bends the channel into approximately the shape illusltrated in full lines, or, as will be explained with referweb-moves'approximately to kthe 13 position.

it should be noted that stockv channel lill isifoi'med with the flanges diverging suliiciently to permit easy insertion of the filter pad il. When the frame forming pressure is applied tornount the frame upon the filter, the flanges are forced together to engage the iilter pad, as

described, this movementnecessarily 'being suilicient Vto Y exceed the elastic limit of .the material at the junctures Y intermediate value.

ofthe flanges with the web, whereby permanent def0rmaof the machine of FIG. 3 may or may not be suicientto permanently deform the web to permanently increase the curature thereof, but normally the web would be bent somewhat beyond the elastic limit of the material. l Y. When the pressure on handle 30 is removed, the resiliency of the material at the bends between the anges 14 and 175 and the web `13 tends to cause the two legs to move away from each other a short distance towards the dashed line position as shown in FIG. 4. By leg is meant the ange and sub-flange thereof. At the same time the resiliency of the web 13 is acting to return the web 13 toward, if not to, the dashed line position i3. This movement of theV web resulting from' the residual resiliency therein will pivot the flanges 14 and 15 and subfianges 16 and 17 towards each other. Thus, there are two movements caused by residual resiliencies, which two movements are the reverse of each other. The extent to which they offset each other can be controlled within limits by the amount of dei'lectiomor increase in curvature, that is given to the web bythe applied pressure and will also depend to some extent on the physical properties ofthe material of which the channel is made.

`A more detailed analysis of what is -occuringin the channel as the frame forming pressure is first applied and then released is indicated in FIG. 4Q. The configuration of the channel is shown in three sequence positions, dashed lines fzillustrating `the initial form of the channel, solid lines c illustrating the lfinal form of the frame section, anddot-dash lines b illustrating the strained form ofthe channel while held under pressure by the framemounting machine.` lt will be noted that the application ofthe forming pressure tothe liianges of the channel reduces the dimension d from an initial maximum to the l minimum, increases the dimension e from an initial minimum to the maximum, and reduces the distance f to an At the same time, the web-flange angle g, initially preferably slightly less than 90 degrees isfsubstantially and permanentlyfreduced. Then, whenl theV frame-forming pressure is relieved, the concave web springs back toward its initial position, decreasing distance e and increasing distance d to intermediate values, while the dimension f is still further reduced to the minimum distance.V Thus in the final form of the frame, the

gripping channel ange edges are even closer together than while held under pressure, assuring the desirable tight clamping action of the frame.

With initial movement of the pressure faces of the machine after contact with the channel, the outer edge portions ofthe flanges are moved toward each other. Unless-pressure is concurrently applied to Vthe portions of thetianges adjacent the web, this movement will, due to the stiffness of the channel material, cause the curved web to flatten somewhat and, if the initial angle of divergence of the channels'were excessive, it is possible that the webwould notonly tiatten but actually deiiect with a reverse curvature. if this were to happen, ultimate release of the forming pressure would result in a loosening of the grip of the flanges upon the filter pad even greater than that resulting from recovery at the bends of the,

flanges.V To prevent this action, as well as for other rea.

nel is minimized and the curvature initially formed in the web is made sufficienttofform internal angleswith the flanges of less than 90 degrees. With'v this relationship of the several elementsof the framing channel, reversal `of the curvature of the web is avoided, Vit being contemplated that the flanges of the channel will normally be sons, the divergence'of the anges inthe performed chanf .following release of the described.

For a more complete understanding of the invention and the mode of operation thereof, `the following tests are described.

' Test 1 Pressure was applied to the outer faces of the flanges of a channel of the general type illustrated .in FIGS. 1-4 byan apparatus having a pair of parallel pressure faces, eg., a vise. Pressure was applied only to an extent suf-` ficient yto render the flanges parallel at the time of the application of pressure with substantiallyno deflecting pressure being applied across the web. Upon removal of the pressure, the two legs moved apart a substantial distance.

In one test specimen in which the outer surfaces of the flanges at the web were 1.60 inches apart and at the outer edges thereof were 2.10 inches apart before .the application of pressure, the specimen was `subjected to yforming pressure in a wise until the two outer faces of the flanges were parallel (1.60 inches apart). Upon release tof the pressure, the flanges pivoted back toa position at which the outer surfaces at the lianges were 1.75 inches apart.

T est 2 A second test specimen identical to that of Test 1 was similarly pressed in a vise, except that after the two flanges werebrought into'parallelism, the jaws of the vise were closed an additional 0.04 inch. This caused the middle ordinate (dimension e in FIG. 4a) of theV curved web to increase by 0.02 inch, from. the loriginal 0.24 inch` to 0.26 inch, .thus increasing the curvature of the web to this extent.I When the vise jaws were opened,

relieving the pressurethe outer surfaces of the flanges at the `outer edges thereof were now 1.50` inches apart while thedistance between theouter surfaces of the ilangesV at the `web was about 1.56 inches. Thus, Iby increasing the curvature of the web, a resilient deilection was pijovided` Test 3 The third test was performedV identically to the second test except that aiilterbody 1-1 having a thickness of 0.82 inch was inserted between the flanges of the pre.A formed channel before pressure was applied to the flanges.

After the application and release .of pressure from the channel in the manner described in connectionwith- Test 2, the .edgesU Vof 'the subflanges Vid land 17 were 0.64 inch apart. Thus, they had remained embedded in the somewhat lresilient filter body 1l a distance of 0.18 inch. The

outer surfaces of the flanges at .the outer edges thereof were 1.60 inches apart while the outer surfaces near the' :Web lwere about 1.56` inches apart.

The `foregoing tests illustrate that even flanges are not bent beyond` the point at which they are parallel, that parallelism can be maintained if desired after the bending is completed by providing the resilient force in the web to motivate the recovery action which has the effect of offsetting the tendency of the flanges to separate `after the bending. Evenwith the` resistance of .the embedding of the subanges: in the filter body and the tendency lof the resilient filter body to additionally push the. angeswapart after" the release of pressure, the

outeredges of the though the two apart so thatsubanges El and 52 can be readily Vtendency 'of the ilanges to pivot apart can stillbe offset. Within suitable `operating limits, anddepending Vupon the elastic limit of the materialjthe deflection `oi the web, Le. the changein .length ofthe middle ordinate, can be V increased or decreased to' v, change the extent 'to which My. invention may be employed utilizing other materials such as plastics. Materials of the type illustrated .that are lsuitablcifor use in my invention aredescribed as sennresilient, readily deformable materials.

- FIG. 5f illustrates the application of kmy' invention to torm a molding, 'supporting member, etc., lfor a solid panel, such as a board, 'which might be any one Aof a' tionsu'ch that the centralstraight portion 68 moves closer to edge of object S6. Thus, lwhen the pressure is relieved, the resilient force resulting from the ilexing of number or" gobjects',fe.g. bulletin board, display board, f

counter, etc. yToenable' the channel to positivelyv engage the board 45, the board is provided'with a pair of parallel grooves 4.6 on opposite sides thereof. A channel generally designated :at is employed for the frame sor,

molding. Chamielfl' has aV web 48, a pair of flanges 49.aud551tl .and sublianges'il and S2; along-the outer edges of ther anges. As theV channel is initially formed, the flanges 49l :and Si? are positioned a sufficient distance slipped over boa-rd do andpesitioned to enter grooves Web zi-Svisycurved` andthe internal `angles between legs e9 and Stlyand webdil are less than90" With lthe' channel lproperly,positioned :along board pressure/is applied to the outersurfaces vof flanges andxtlto cause sublianges 5l and 52 to enter; and seat themselvesV in groovesfad. Sulicient pressure is applied i to cause web dto increase in curvature, i.e. deflectiin the direction of edge` a of board 45: Upon the release of'pressure, the subilanges El andffwillfr'emain firmly seated in' grooves 46. As a matter of fact, by a suitable applicaticn v of the"y forming ,pressure kas previously described, the spring action V(stored stress within the elastic limitlof the web 43 may -be made to increase the 4resilient clamping pressure of the channel 47 upon the board IFIG. 6 illustrates `a furthervalternative embodiment of a channel generally designated at holding an object' having two sides 57 and 5S and an edge 59. Sides and S8 are-provided with a plurality or projecting ears e@ i for the engagement ofthe channel Ion the object.

l :Channel `55 'has a pair of flanges 62 andV 63 projecting `from a web 65. Each of the flanges are provided with spaced slots or `openings 'ed vWhich'are in register with the ears ion object 5e. ln this embodiment, and for the purpose of .illustratingan'equivalent form `of the in-V vention, the web e5 instead `of having the general convvlguration ofacontinuous curve between the two legs has Vtwo outside straight sections 66 and-67 connected by av central straight portion 68. A web ofgsuch a coniiguration is deemed to have sidesthat are `generally convex and generally concave as those terms are employed herein:

A It will, `of course, beappreciatcd from the foregoing description'that lwhen channel 55 is formed, the'anges 62and `6? willbe spread` somewhat from the position illustrated in FIG. 6.- Thus, the channel easilyumay'be positioned along edge 59 of objectA 56, .with the two llanges 621an'd 63 in juxtaposition toisides' and The' internal angles between theilanges and the web lin thestocl; channel are less than 90.' Y

Openingslxare aligned with ears V6i) and pressure is applied tofthe outer surfaces of the lianges. viousembodiments, suicient pressure is applied not only to bend ilanges 6?; andfj lsubstantially into the position illustrated in FIG. 46, but'also-to flexV web 65 in the` direc- As in ,'preto lthe oute'r'surtaces olsaidtwo lianges to vbend saidf j ilanges inwardly with permanent delormationol the -mater1al substantiallyto the-desiredV position in relation to gtion.

web 65 and its tendency toreturn -to .its original unile'xed position vpivots flanges 62 and otowards each other,

overcoming the tendency'of the flanges to separate and disengage from ears et? because. of the resilient stress re-v maining from :the bendingof the llanges towards each other by. 1the application of the forming pressure.

FIG. 7 -diagrammatically illustrates-an apparatus-for pcri-orning the method oimyinvention without utilizing a channel having a specially preformed web, such as was described'in connection with the previous embodiments.

ln this alternative, the channelv generally designated.l at 75 has 4a flat web-76, a pair of flanges `7'7 and 7S with subanges. 79 and titl along the outer edges thereof.. The

, appara'tuStor,applying pressure to secure 'channel 75 to aV iilter body generally designated at Slt, Vfor example, isk

of such` a nature that pressure is applied yIto web 76 to bendY the web into Va curve witha concave outer face as well as to bend llanges 77 and 78 towards each other.

The apparatus illustrated comprises a pair of end mem-V bers 84, on each of which is ,a slideway v A web pressure head 37 has lands 3% across the ends thereof, which lands are received in ways S5 lto-guidethe movement 0i the pressure head Suitable ,power kf meansv (not shown) is attached to .rod 89,-which`in turn Yis connected to pressure head l? to supply the force to bend the web To, as subseouently described. End membershilA have a pair yof-abutm'ents 91 extending therebetv'feen to. resist the pressureof head S7 against the channel as will be described. I y

A pair of iiange pressure,k heads @gare each formedV of two bars 93 and 942Vv fastened .together by screws 95.

'.achhas a socket 96 equallyV spaced in bars and 947 to "receive balls 97 Von the end fof .rods 9S. Suitable power means (not shown) are connected to piston rods 9S to apply opposing lforces for the bending of theiiiangesl toward each other. Each of'bars 94 Yhas an abutment 9 9 againstwhichsubiiangesf79 and oiithe channel iiare pressed. Bressure heads 92 `liave'curved ends lill formed in ,the shape of asegment of a circle. /ioutmentfs` 9i are correspondingly curved to guide the pressure heads 92 into p 'i Y position'and resist thepressure applied to the web.

ln -this embodiment, pressure is applied tou/ebV 76' by means of head 87 to .bend the original straight web into curve as illustrated at '76. ln addition, pressure Yis applied toanges 77 and'S-by pressureheads Q2 to .bend the twollanges '77 and 7S together, with the twoflanges assuming the position illustrated in rdotted lines at .77 and 7d. When these pressuresv are released,r the 'tend- Yency of flanges 472 and 8@ to separate jas a .result olfthev resiliencyo thematerial of the channelisat least offset by therresiliencyV of the stressedwe'o 7327er, above de-V scribed'witli'reference tothe previously described-embodi- Aments of theinvention.` Y' V l v 'Th-e `foregoing@description Vof specific embodiments of f the invention istor Vthe purpose of complying lwith V35 USC. -l lZvand should not be construed as` imposing unf necessary limitations upon the appended claims inasmuch as' modifications and variations thereof will be apparent to those sliilled'in the ali-t, and such modifications andV variations aredeemed to y lie-within the scope jo the-inveninvention is claimed :as tollen/s;` f Y, Y

1. The method of `mounting achannel of semi-resilient readily deformable material having'a web -andtWo ilanges extending therefrom onto an object having two sides ter-v minating in an 4edge, said method comprising positioning said channel on saiduobject with said Vweb extending along 'said edgefand said ytwo anges'extencl'ng over' the edge areas of said two sides, respectively; applying pressure dieser? 9 sal-d sides of said obeot and `at the same time to 'flex said web inwardly in the direction of said edge; and thereafter releasing said pressure to 1: it said web to unllex and thereby urge said flanges lto `ard each other.

2. The method of mounting a channel of semi-resilient readily deformable material having a web and two franges extending therefrom onto an object having two sides terminating in an edge, said method comprising positioning said channel on said object with said web extending along said edge and said two ilanges extending over the edge areas of said two sides, respectively; applying pressures -to Abend said flanges and said web of said channel all inwardly sufficiently to engage said object between said flanges and permanently deform said channel at the junctures of said flanges with said web Ato diminish the internal angles thereat and at the same time stress said web, and thereater relieving said pressures whereby the stress imposed in said web tends to urge said anges together to resiliently clamp said object therebetween.

3. The method of mounting a holding member on an obg'eet having two sides terminating in an edge, said method comprising: forming a semi-resilient, readily deformahle material into a channel having a curved web with two franges extending from the convex side thereof; positioning said channel on said object with said two anges extending over the edge areas of said two sides, respectively; applying pressure to the two outer surfaces of said two flanges to permanently bend said flanges substantially to the desired position in relation to said sides and at the same time ilexing said web inwardly; and therealter releasing said presssure to permit said web to unflex and thereby urge said flanges toward each other.

4. The method of mounting a channel-like member having a web and two flanges extending therefrom on an object having two sides terminating in an edge, said method comprising: positioning said channel-like member on said object with said web extending along said edge and said two flanges extending over the edge areas of said two sides, respectively; applying pressure inwardly to the two outer surfaces of said two llanges and concurrently apply- 'l i@ ing pressure to the outside of said web generally along the median portion thereof to dex said web inwardly, the pressures so applied being sufficient to permanently bend said anges inwardly; and thereafter releasing said pressures to permit said web to unilex and thereby urge said ilanges toward each other.

5. The method of making a framed panel-like air ilter, said method comprising pre-forming from a semi-resilient, readily deformable material, a framing channel having inwardly curved web with two flanges extending divergently from the convex side thereof and forming acute angles with said web; notching said tianges at the locations of the Y intended corners of the filter frame; wrapping said notched framing channel around the perimeter of the filter; applying pressure inwardly against the anges of the channel to concurrently force the flanges toward said filter and ilex said web inwardly sufliciently to permanently bend said anges inwardly; and thereafter relieving the pressure to permit said web to unflex and thereby urge said anges into resilient clamping engagement with said lter.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the pressure is applied to the flanges suiciently to bring said flanges into engagement with the ilter.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein the pressure is applied to the anges of the framing channel along each side of the lter serially.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 911,195 2/09 Baker 189-36 1,587,690 6/26 Wenn 153-1 1,600,570 9/26 Wenn 153-1 2,126,544 8/38 Everhard 189-36 2,159,355 5/39 Goetz 153-15 2,225,592 12/4() MaCFadden 29/453 CHARLES W. LANHAM, Primary Examiner.

C. D. ANGEL, Examiner. 

1. THE METHOD OF MOUNTING A CHANNEL OF SEMI-RESILIENT READILY DEFORMABLE MATERIAL HAVING A WEB AND TWO FLANGES EXTENDING THEREFROM ONTO AN OBJECT HAVING TWO SIDES TERMINATING IN AN EDGE, SAID METHOD COMPRISING POSITIONING SAID CHANNEL ON SAID OBJECT WITH SAID WEB EXTENDING ALONG SAID EDGE AND SAID TWO FLANGES EXTENDING OVER THE EDGE AREAS OF SAID TWO SIDES, RESPECTIVELY; APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE OUTER SURFACE OF SAID TWO FLANGES TO BEND SAID FLANGES INWARDLY WITH PERMANENT DEFORMATION OF THE MATERIAL SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE DESIRED POSITION IN RELATION TO SAID SIDES OF SAID OBJECT AND AT THE SAME TIME TO FLEX SAID WEB INWARDLY IN THE DIRECTION OF SAID EDGE; AND THEREAFTER RELEASING SAID PRESSURE TO PREMIT SAID WEB TO UNFLEX AND THEREBY URGE SAID FLANGES TOWARD EACH OTHER. 